Kulasekharapatnam Sri Mutharamman Temple, Thoothukudi

Address

Kulasekharapatnam Sri Mutharamman Temple, Mutharamman Thirukovil road, Kulasekharapatnam, Thiruchendur circle, Thoothukudi district Tamil Nadu 628203 Phone: 04639 250 355

Deity

Gnana Murthi Eswrar Amman: Mutharamman

Introduction

• Location: The Sri Mutharamman Temple, also known as the Kulasai Mutharamman Temple, is situated in Kulasekharapatnam, near Thiruchendur in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu, India. The temple boasts a history of over 1,000 years.
• Significance: Dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, referred to as Mutharamman, and Lord Shiva under the name Gnana Murthi Eswarar, this temple attracts over 1.5 million devotees during its grandest festival, Navarathiri Dussehra. The town itself is named after King Maravarman Kulasekara Pandian, reflecting its royal heritage.

Puranic Significance

• Mythological Background: The town of Kulasekerapatanam derives its name from the king who established it, and the temple’s deities are primarily Goddess Muththaramman and Lord Ganamoorthiswarar. The presiding deity, a self-manifested Goddess Kali, is believed to protect the village and assist her devotees in times of hardship.
• Legend of the Goddess: According to legend, the goddess communicated her wishes through dreams to a worker and an archaka (priest), guiding them to sculpt her idol and install it near a swayambu (self-manifested) idol. The goddess is associated with pearls found in the nearby sea, which is reflected in her name, signifying healing and protection.
• Unique Traditions: The temple follows specific rituals and practices similar to those at the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, including the use of mantras and yantras for worship. The connection between the goddess and Lord Shiva is believed to be expressed through the concept of Parivardhana yoga, where they exchange powers.
• Healing Practices: The temple is known for its healing practices, especially concerning smallpox, which is likened to pearls (Muthu) on the skin. Water is kept around the goddess to alleviate symptoms, and people pray for relief from ailments such as smallpox and leprosy.

Beliefs

• Devotee Experiences: Many devotees, particularly those suffering from ailments or hardships, report that their prayers to Mother Mutharamman are answered swiftly. People who have faced financial losses or personal challenges often find recovery after seeking her blessings.
• Worship Practices: Devotees engage in various commitments, including lighting Mavilakku (a traditional lamp), performing Anga Pradikshina (body circumambulation), carrying fire pots, and observing fasts. Acts of charity, such as Anna Dhanam (feeding the needy) and contributions to the temple Hundi, are common among worshippers.

Special Features

• Combined Vigraham: A notable feature of the temple is the combined installation of Goddess Muththaramman and Swami Gnanamoorthiswarar in the same shrine, which is unique to this temple.
• Architectural Layout: The temple comprises three main mandapams: Artha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam, and Kodi Mandapam. While it is primarily a Shiva temple, the focus on Mother Mutharamman parallels the prominence of Goddess Meenakshi in Madurai.

Festivals

• Navarathiri Dussehra: This festival is the most significant event at the Sri Mutharamman Temple, attracting vast crowds. Celebrations involve vibrant festivities, rituals, and communal gatherings, marking it as a time of new beginnings and auspicious ventures. It is traditionally believed that starting any new endeavor on this day ensures success, making it a preferred day for initiating new projects, openings, and educational pursuits.

Century/Period/Age

1000- Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious Endowment Board. (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Tiruchendur

Nearest Railway Station

Tiruchendur

Nearest Airport

Tiruchendur

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